Capelli Tempest TE900 WA with Yamaha F250: it's not the same, and it's not slow either

Don’t think of it as a “déjà vu”: Capelli Tempest TE900 WA with two Yamaha F250 outboards is brand new and will surprise many.

The acronym is not new: this is indeed one of the most successful models of the Capelli range. But a restyling, after years of commercial success, was needed: and here on test is the new version of the Capelli Tempest TE900 WA, with the biggest news being below deck, with a completely revised cabin feaaturing also a separate heads. Let’s get into the water then.

Capelli Tempest TE900 WA: the test

This RIB / motor package is offered by Yamaha Marine, longtime partner of the Capelli yard. The powertrain with twin Yamaha F250 is the maximum available, and here it’s completed by three-blade, 17″ steel propellers. I am therefore not surprised by the firm and powerful progression of the Capelli Tempest TE900 WA: if anything I appreciate the beautiful navigation on a swell that could case some problems. Not on this boat, with the hull returning a pleasant feeling of safety even making weird maneuvers.

The top speed touches 50 knots, even excessive for a 9-meter rib: maybe going for smaller engines would be a good choice. And what about acceleration…4.8 seconds to get into planing, and 9.8 to reach 40 knots. If you are a speed freak it’s ok, if you look for quiet cruising there’s far too much. Also because fuel consumption is in line with the exuberance of the engines: at top speed, 150 l / h are needed, although when cruising at 20 knots and 3000 rpm it goes down to a soothing 44 l / h, becoming 23.5 l / h at the minimum plane speed of 12 knots.

Capelli Tempest TE900 WA is a…walkaround

Maybe I was a bit simplistic to reckon the cabin as the only innovation introduced with Capelli Tempest TE900 WA 2.0: actually even the deck has been subjected to a review. For example, at the stern, the sofa has a practical reclining back that allows to increase the area dedicated to the solarium, for a total of 2.60 sqm, so the dinette can quickly transform from living area with a teak table to sundeck.
The driver and co-driver seat is comfortable whether you want to stand or sit. If anything, the console without the multi-function screen looks a bit unadorned even if the information (really complete) on the navigation is assured by the Yamaha instruments. The windshield is protective and the stainless steel frame is a safe handrail to reach the bow, in combination with fairly sized passageways and a sturdy side rail.

The bow area is characterized by the spacious sundeck, 3,90 square meters, with a comfortable padded seatback integrated into the console. The anchor winch is under the walking surface and the rail has a practical access to the bow to get on board, but also to dive.
Finally down to the aforementioned cabin with its double bunk that I imagine can also accommodate a small dinette, in case of unfortunate change of weather. To port there is also a sink with a 48-liter refrigerator underneath, but the news is the separate heads to starboard, very practical and well-sized.
The standard equipment includes full external and internal cushions, black water tank, gas and water tanks, aft deck covered in flexiteak, seastar hydraulic steering and electric winch.